Margaret Johnson, an admitting clerk in Mariners Hospital's emergency room, was named Employee of the Quarter for her hard work and compassion, states a hospital press release.

A Tavernier resident, Johnson has worked for Mariners Hospital for 15 years. Her fellow employees, who agree her compassion for patients is exemplary, nominated her for this quarter's award.

One example of Johnson's willingness to go above and beyond occurred when she helped the family members of an emergency room patient find a local hotel room at a reduced rate and then personally drove them to the hotel, the press release states.

Jones joins Lower Keys Chamber board

Linda Jones, Big Pine assistant branch manager of First State Bank of the Florida Keys, recently was named treasurer of the board of directors for the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, according to a press release from the bank.

"I am very excited to be part of such a forward thinking board of directors with its new executive director, Susan Miller," said Jones. "The Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce has entered a new era, and we are reaching out to the business community and asking for new ideas to help our Lower Keys flourish and develop a sense of cohesion and support."

Jones joined the bank's Big Pine branch in early 2013, bringing more than 10 years of banking experience. She lives on Summerland Key.

Aqueduct honors Pfiester, Alana, Knowles

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority takes pride in recognizing the achievements of its employees.

The authority was honored to receive a 2013 Excellence Award from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for Domestic Wastewater Plant Operations, according to a press release from FKAA.